Health & Well-Being A-Z

Thunder God Vine

Thunder God Vine plant
Description

Thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) is a vine that grows in southeast China. Its extracts are used in traditional and pharmaceutical Chinese medicine.

Thunder god vine contains chemicals that might relieve swelling and change the way the immune system works. This might help with arthritis and other conditions. Also, thunder god vine contains chemicals that might alter sperm and decrease male fertility.

People use thunder god vine for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn disease, kidney problems, mouth sores, and eye problems in people with an overactive thyroid. It is also used for eczema, birth control, menstrual cramps, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.


Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly effective
  • A type of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease). Taking thunder god vine by mouth seems to help prevent symptoms of Crohn disease from recurring. It might also slow down how quickly symptoms come back for people who are in remission. It seems to be as effective as drugs normally used by people with Crohn disease.
  • An eye disease caused by an overactive thyroid (Graves' ophthalmopathy). Taking thunder god vine by mouth along with conventional treatments might improve eye problems in people with overactive thyroid.
  • A condition that slowly leads to kidney disease (IgA nephropathy). Taking thunder god vine by mouth seems to help people with IgA nephropathy go into remission.
  • An inflammatory condition that causes rash or sores on the skin or mouth (lichen planus). Taking thunder god vine by mouth might reduce pain and heal mouth sores in people with this condition.
  • A group of symptoms that indicate kidney damage (nephrotic syndrome). Taking thunder god vine by mouth seems to help people with this condition go into remission. It might be more effective than steroids and might make steroids work better when used together.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Taking thunder god vine by mouth with or without conventional drugs seems to help relieve joint pain and swelling and improve physical function in people with RA. It's not clear if applying thunder god vine to the skin helps.
Possibly ineffective
  • A type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine (ankylosing spondylitis). Taking thunder god vine by mouth does not seem to relieve joint pain or swelling in people with ankylosing spondylitis.

There is interest in using thunder god vine for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: Thunder god vine is possibly safe for most people. It's usually well tolerated. Side effects might include stomach upset, missed menstrual periods, skin reactions, nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

When applied to the skin: Thunder god vine is possibly safe.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Thunder god vine is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause birth defects.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if thunder god vine is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Weakened immune system: Large doses of thunder god vine might weaken the immune system. If you already have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition, or from taking certain medications, avoid using thunder god vine. It might decrease your body's ability to fight off infection.

Weakened bones (osteoporosis): Thunder god vine can reduce bone strength. If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for osteoporosis, don't use thunder god vine.

Drug interactions

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Thunder god vine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Thunder god vine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications that decrease break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Thunder god vine is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs decrease how quickly the liver changes and breaks down thunder god vine. This could change the effects and side effects of thunder god vine.

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Large doses of thunder god vine can decrease the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, also decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking thunder god vine along with these medications might cause the activity of the immune system to drop too low.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

Thunder god vine extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 30-120 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Other names

Huang-T'eng Ken, Lei Gong Teng, Lei-Kung T'eng, Seven Step Vine, Taso-Ho-Hua, Threewingnut, Tonnerre de la Vigne de Dieu, Tripterigium Wilfordii, Tripterygium wilfordii, Vigne du Tonnerre Divin, Yellow Vine.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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